Legendary ‘Kere si number wa creator, Fatai Rolling Dollar has been buried. The burial of the late Highlife music sage, Fatai Olagunju took place at his uncompleted building site in Ikorodu, Lagos state. Veteran like Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Prince Adekunle led other musicians to receive his corpse from the hospital in Surulere. An Islamic prayer was made for him at his Oko- Oba Millennium Housing Estate, given to him by Lagos State former governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Shortly after, his remains was moved to
Ikorodu axis where he was finally laid to rest.
Meanwhile, a number of popular figures continue to eulogise the singer. Here are some tributes:
The former Director of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Fadesewa of Simawa, Ogun State, Oba Gbenga Sonuga, described him as a great musician and an inspiration to the younger generation.
Pa Fatai’s burial ceremony.
“He was a man I admired. Well, like most good people, they have to go sooner or later; but we thank God for him,” Sonuga said.
The Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, Prof. Tunde Babawale, said that Rolling Dollars was a major source of inspiration to younger musicians.
“Although Baba died at a ripe age, the Nigerian culture community will miss him greatly, because of his contribution to the growth and development of the music industry and the art in general.
“When people thought he was at the end of his career he rose up like a phoenix and seized the moment and even acquired greater fame than he ever did as a young man.
“He competed favourably with those who were just about the age mate of his own children and gave them a run for their money.
Babawale noted that Rolling Dollars became an icon in the Nigerian music industry and demonstrated that commitment, dedication, professionalism, can do to turn around any sector in the country.
“We will dearly miss him, the music industry will miss him, the Nigerian art and culture sector will miss him greatly.
“His presence at any gathering of artists and culture was always electrifying,” he added.
A former PMAN President, Bolaji Rosiji, described Rolling Dollar as someone that “we have been celebrating ever since he made a unique comeback.
“ I cannot thank him enough for his contributions to the music industry and PMAN. We were very close. His death to me was like the death of a father,” he said.
Reggae exponent, Oritz Wiliki, said that Rolling Dollar was somebody he held dear to his heart.
The President, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), Zik Okafor, described Rolling Dollar’s death as shocking.
“He was a great musician; a shinning symbol of African music. May God Almighty accept his soul,’’ Okafor said.
Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and Ego Ogbaro, a musician, described him as a legend, who lived his life to the fullest.
Okoroji said that Olagunji was a fantastic person with a positive attitude to life, adding: “I believe that his attitude to life was responsible for the long life he lived.
